Get Your Students Hired
When working with adult students, some of them might be older than instructors, other will contribute to the class with a lot of experience. It is important to make them understand how valuable they are as persons. They are not just students, they are part of the class and they basically complete the curriculum. There is a exchange of information from instructor to studnets and vice versa that is generally not the case when dealing with very young students.
Asking them questions about their experience, inviting them to express themselves on specific topics, valuing their expertise are good approaches in the developing student rapport.
I find that the phone call of students that miss class goes along way. I know that it can be inconvient, however it lets the student know that you are concerned about them.
It is important because students stay more engaged and mostly likely put more effort in the class. It makes the class more fun between the teacher and the students.
Dr. Craig Couillard
It all goes back to the old saying "People don't care about how much you know until they know how much you care." If a student realizes that you really do care about them, their success, and their well being, they will know that those things that you are trying to teach are in their best interest. They will understand that you are there to help them succeed. They will work harder to achieve because of your confidence in them and your concern for them.
With a good student rapport they are more likely to open up to you if they have any problems. You still have to keep the instructor/student status in the classroom.
Hi Rebecca,
Good point concerning rapport. This is why rapport needs to be developed with students with a central theme concerning professionalism. This way they will not see you the instructor in a buddy format but a professional educator concerned about their success in the course.
Gary
Developing rapport is a very narrow line to walk, because on one hand you want them to like you, but on the other, you are the teacher, not a friend, and if you become too friendly, you may lose your authority over the class.
The classes that I teach have a mix of different majors. One class in particular the students aren't excited that they have to take the class. The section on building repport with the students was excellent for me because with the different majors they have different ideas and reasons for taking the class. The characteristics offered were very thought provoking and caused me to reflect on what I could improve on. I need to share more personal experiences and be willing to admit uncertainties.
Hi Bruce,
I like your definition of rapport. It is so valuable in the instructional setting. Also, rapport helps to bring enjoyment to the class because of the relationship we get to develop with the students. I know we all have former students share with us their career successes as a result of the rapport we developed when they were in class. This is what teaching is all about.
Gary
I think the definition of rapport varies a bit base upon the instructors experience and type of training being delivered.
Here is a definition of rapport I got from encarta.msn.com/dictionary:
"friendly relationship: an emotional bond or friendly relationship between people based on mutual liking, trust, and a sense that they understand and share each other's concerns"
Pasted from
When I was in the military and a student, at some levels of my training (basic training for example) the instructors idea of rapport was fear - or "sit at attention and be quiet".
I agree more with the definition from encart.com where rapport is based upon a "friendly relationship.. based upon… trust and the understanding that they share each other's concerns"
I firmly believe that learning occurs when the student feels comfortable with the instructor and knows that he/she respects him and is concerned with his doing well in the class.
Even when I was an officer in the Air Force and involved in training, I found that setting a comfortable training environment and a "friendly" and "profession" atmosphere" helped create the best training situation.
I am a big person (6' 2") and over 200 pounds but my "aura" is one of a friendly big brother (and now more a father figure) that cares about each student. I am terrible with names, but when I taught in the classroom I would create a name chart by the first break and thereafter call students by name. They often commented how good I was with names. I would just smile.
While instructing on line I still work hard to be "friendly" and to call students by name - especially during the chat session. It is very easy to appear to care for the students when you actually do.
By winning the trust and respect of the students I will be able to motivate them in focussing in their lessons and will be able to have a better class control.
Hi Marion,
You are right about the need for rapport and respect between and among students and the instructor. It really sets the stage for engagement of ideas and provision of support when needed.
Gary
Developing rapport helps students feel comfortable with the learning environment. Students try harder if they believe their success in the course is shared by the instructor. Caring and a non-judgmental permits students to come to the instructor for additional help, as well as a source of refocusing on their goals.
Hi Jennifer,
Trust lead to respect and respect leads to rapport. Each is a building block for the other leading to success for students and the instructor. Well said.
Gary
I believe it is natural for students to enter the classroom with apprehension and uncertainty on that first day. The more quickly we can develop rapport, the more successful my instructional methods will be. Because I know that students want to know I am approachable, I make it a point to emphasize my availability for them. I repeatedly remind them I am their partner in the learning process and together we will have fun learning about these concepts. When they see I am open to their questions, ideas and thoughts I believe it helps them to feel more confident with the assignments. I utilize the class discussions as a time to share experiences. I share experience I have had in the industry and I encourage them to share their experiences. It helps to build rapport when they see they are not alone in things they have experienced. As students ask questions and share their thoughts I respond with encouragement. When students see they are not going to be “talked down to” it helps to build trust. When they trust me as their instructor, that is when we have a real chance of accomplishing great things in the classroom!
Hi Daniel,
Right you are in terms of both respect and rapport. They do go hand in hand and need to be a two way street between faculty and students. When these two works are in place then learning can move forward toward the common goal of the course.
Gary
For me, rapport=mutual respect. Without your student's respect, an instructor is just another person in the room. Gain their respect and you will get students that can come to you and speak about anything, not just your course material. Having a comfort level between you and your students makes for a much more relaxed learning environment.
I believe the rapport with students lets them know that you truely care about them, and there learning experence. You become better related to the students, and they will listen to you, then ask questions. They are more likley to talk and ask questions related to the class.
Hi Ted,
Right you are about the need for building rapport with your students. What are some strategies that you use to develop rapport with your students.
Gary
It is important to try to build a good rapport with all the students in your class not just a few.No one should be left out.A good rapport makes being an instructor more enjoyable.